A quiet border town in the heart of the Alentejo, Campo Maior reveals its history slowly. At the centre of it all stands Campo Maior Castle, a weathered fortress shaped by centuries of conflict, resilience, and everyday life. This travel story explores the castle, the town beneath it, and why this overlooked corner of Portugal rewards those who travel without rushing.
High above the town, the Castle of Lamego waits quietly, offering sweeping views, deep history, and a slower way to experience northern Portugal. Reached by a gentle climb through old streets, this hilltop fortress is less about grandeur and more about perspective, silence, and the feeling of standing where centuries once watched the world pass by.
Visit the Castelo da Sertã in Portugal’s Beira Baixa region—a modest yet deeply atmospheric fortress with a rich past and mythic legend.
Perched above the Côa Valley, the Castle of Castelo Bom tells the story of Portugal’s frontier days—a place where stone met strategy, and kingdoms collided. Today its ruins remain a powerful reminder of the country’s medieval resilience and quiet beauty.
Torre de Lapela rises above the River Minho in Monção, Portugal. Once a fortress guarding the border with Spain, it offers history, atmosphere, and views at the heart of Alvarinho wine country.
On the edge of Portugal, the Castle of Melgaço rises above the River Minho. This rare circular fortress has guarded the frontier since the 12th century. Today, visitors come for its history, dramatic views, and the chance to pair a castle climb with a glass of crisp Alvarinho wine.
Rising above the Beira Interior, the Castle of Belmonte is more than a medieval fortress. It is the birthplace of explorers, a haven of hidden faith, and a travel gem in the shadow of the Serra da Estrela.
High in the hills of Trás-os-Montes, the Castle of Vila Flor whispers of medieval battles and village lifelong past. Today its ruins frame sweeping views of olive groves, baroque churches, and the gateway to the Douro Valley — an authentic slice of Portugal where history meets slow travel.
The Castle of Freixo de Espada-à-Cinta is a hidden fortress on Portugal’s Douro frontier. Join us as we explore its history, legends, and the timeless beauty of this remote borderland town.
Perched above Elvas on Portugal’s frontier, La Lippe is a masterpiece of 18th-century military design—star-shaped bastions, layered defenses, and vast views toward Spain. We walked the walls, traced the geometry, and folded the fort into a day of UNESCO-listed Elvas: aqueducts, taverns, and sunset over the Alentejo.